University of Toronto lockdown is lifted; no threat found

The Toronto Police have confirmed an all-clear at the University of Toronto, which had been partially closed Monday as police responded to calls regarding a suspicious person believed to have been armed with a gun.

.@TorontoPolice have confirmed an all-clear. We have been advised that regular operations can now proceed. All buildings open. #UofT

In a statement, University of Toronto President Meric Gertler says he wants “to thank all members of the community — students, faculty and staff — who responded calmly and quickly to this event on our St. George campus.”

According to CBC News Toronto, the suspect in question was said to be dressed in black, wearing a surgical mask and carrying a black backpack.

The initial reports of a suspicious person were made by security at the university who say they saw someone near the a campus building currently under construction, the AP reported. Toronto Constable Allyson Douglas-Cook said that building security didn’t recognize the suspect wearing a mask and that police are uncertain whether the person is a construction worker.

After reviewing a photo someone took of the alleged suspect, Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders had said there was no gun visible in the photo.

The university had issued a list on Twitter of all buildings it had closed.